Sunday, February 13, 2011

Baking + Kids = Family Time

Jill of Gypsy Brocante asked what our inspiration was for baking? I would have to say bloggers and family have been my inspiration.

I was inspired this weekend by Joni at Red Couch Recipes. She posted a wonderful Maraschino Cherry Valentine Cake her mother made for her father. I described it to my 5 yr. old and he wouldn't give up on it, he wanted me to go buy the cherries! Click on the link for the cake and go over to Joni's and get the recipe.

And here is my second inspiration for baking, the kids. We have a habit of discussing food and asking the kids what sounds good. They give us lots of input. One thing I have always enjoyed is letting them in the kitchen when they were young. Baking is the perfect activity.

We have cleaned up the mess and moved on to our homework. The kitchen is the perfect space for a little lesson. Somehow I am out of wax paper so I am icing the cake with aluminum foil under it.

Joni was right this cake was wonderful! Very rich but delicious. Thanks for the recipe Joni, everybody gave it a thumbs up!

I was looking for recipes my Grandmother's had hand copied and to my surprise I found all of these recipes created by my oldest son. He was in the kitchen a lot and loved to add his ideas to the weekly menu. Here he has written out the recipe for a banana split, peanut butter and jelly, pie crust cookies, and rice crispy cookies.

Some of my favorite kitchen gadgets are this antique rolling pin with hearts stamped on it and a pastry cutter that belonged to my Grandmother.

I also really love old pie tins with really wide edges so you can create a perfect edge to your pie crust.

Cherry pie for my Valentines. This pie was really a cheater pumpkin eater recipe. The crust was Pillsbury and the pie filling canned. But, I made Joni's cake totally from scratch. I love an old fashion recipe where you have almost everything on hand.

Everyone have a fantastic Valentine's Day.I hope you can share some time with someone you love today, maybe even in the kitchen baking.

OK first of all -- before I forget -- can I tell you how much I LOVE that plate that your beautiful cake is on?! Both your cake and your pie looks so lovely and they are making my mouth water... and how sweet to see your children having such a great time and learning to cook!

Sherry, I am soooo glad you liked the cake. I was inspired by my mother to cook and I am inspired by my children and husband to try to make good, different, and appetizing things to make. Doesn't it feel great when children become independent in the kitchen? Those little handwritten recipes are sooo cute. My kids are all too old to sit on the counter and bake, but hopefully, grandchildren will join me in the kitchen some day. Joni

Your kids will thank you for this some day. I spent many times with my mom in the kitchen because she was determined I would know how to take care of a home when I became an adult. Her mom didn't teach her, so she would not go down that road with her daughter. She and my brother both wish today she had done the same with him, but she didn't think it was as important with boys. When I was a little girl, I just assumed all mothers did this stuff with their daughters, and it still amazes me in adulthood how many moms apparently never taught their daughters how to cook along with other basic neccessities one needs to know to take care of themselves. Your kids will remember these times and be grateful for the skills you taught them.

Such a sweet post! My son also loved to help me bake when he was young, I can't wait to be able to bake with my grandson when he's a little older. Your grandmother's rolling pin is such a treasure! Both pie and cake looked delicious.♥ Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

First of all, your pie crust edge is amazing! Gorgeous! Does the wide rim keep it from burning or make it worse? That is my biggest problem with pies. I always loved cooking in the kitchen with my kids. Your son's recipes are adorable! Linda

That looks delish! What a wonderful activity to do with your kids! Your cake and pie look to die for! I love cooking, but I haven't baked anything for Valentines day yet ... you have inspired me to make something for the hubby tomorrow! Don't know what it will be - the only thing I do know is, it won't look as delicious as your goodies!

Joni's cake looks fabulous. I think I do remember my mom making that. I didn't remember it when I read Joni's recipe, but your picture sparked a memory. I am going to have to try it too. Love the hearts on the cute rolling pin. The hearts in your pie crust are great and yes, what a fabulous pie tin. Fun gadgets.Have a wonderful Valentine's Day! XOXO

YUMMY!!! those look so good. The little guy is so adorable there is just nothing like a kid on the counter cooking!! I just found out this weekend my first grandchild is on the way.... Can't wait for some fun like that again in my kitchen!

I sure wish blogging would push me into the kitchen more often. Since it's mostly me here, I just eat on the fly it seems. But your cake looks so beautiful, I might just have to try it! Those recipes in your son's handwriting are precious treasures! Your blog just looks better and better every time I come over here too!Brenda

Looks very yummy, I love that your little one gets right up on the counter and is really into the baking process. And the recipes written by your oldest is such a sweet touch! Visiting from the porch club.Sherry

A wonderful post and the best pictures to capture the entire feeling! ... perfect, and I agree this is what it's all about ... doing it TOGETHER and SHARING! Oh and EVERYTHING looks delish ... you can send the pie my way ... I'm a HUGE pie fan!

That cake is divine and that pie...oh my, I'm on my way...get the coffee ready too. hee hee I'm visiting for Porch Monday and have some fresh bakes goodies for you too! Have a wonderful Valentine's Day. ♥

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